Bpai Tiao Video: Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival) 2014

In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.

Earlier this year, I decided that there were a bunch of festivals all over Thailand that I had to go to. The one that I was most excited about going to was the Phi Ta Khon Festival in Loei, which I just got back from. Phi Ta Khon, or the Ghost Festival is so colorful and fun. Check out the video for yourself!

A Short History of Buddhism in Thailand

Thailand reports that about 96% of its population is Buddhist. But what does that mean? How did Buddhism come to Thailand and how have I experienced that history? What shape does Buddhism take in current daily life situations? How many days off a year do I get because of Buddhist holidays? Well, like Julie Andrews sang in “The Sound of Music,” let’s start at the very beginning, it’s a very good place to start.

more “A Short History of Buddhism in Thailand”

Thai is a Language of the Heart

Sometimes, listening to Thai people speak, it seems like the word jai (ใจ) is everywhere.

เข้าใจไหม (Khao jai mai, Do you understand?)

ใจเย็นๆ (Jai yen yen, Chill out.)

คนใจดี (Kon jai dee, Kind person)

But what does jai mean? Jai translates as “heart” and has all the similar connotations that heart has in English, such as “spirit” or “inner being.” So it makes sense that jai is used to construct phrases that have meanings related to one’s heart, mind and spirit. more “Thai is a Language of the Heart”

In Thailand, It’s More than Fun, It’s Sanuk

It’s a repeated refrain that Peace Corps Volunteers hear throughout their service:

No serious!

Mai dtong seriot!

Don’t take serious, na!

Tammai seriot?

Don’t serious!

Don’t serious about me!

Why so seriot? Mai seriot, na.

In case you couldn’t figure it out, taking anything seriously here is strongly discouraged. Even if it’s a serious topic. Especially if it’s a serious topic. The Thai way of life is infused with the concept of sanuk (สนุก). But what is sanuk? It’s most often translated as fun, but is so much more than that.

more “In Thailand, It’s More than Fun, It’s Sanuk”

Bpai Tiao Video: Phanom Rung, Buriram

In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.

In the 12th century, the Khmer empire dominated what is now know as Southeast Asia. Their main city and capital is the famous Angkor complex, which includes Angkor Wat. However, the empire stretched across Thailand, where they also built other cities and temples. Like Angkor, they are now ruins, and some of them aren’t very well preserved. However, Phanom Rung in Buriram is wonderfully well-kept and an excellent destination for tourists. Check it out!